I recently met Lauren of Arbiter Travel through my friends Blair and Taryn. I had constantly seen the #BookedByArbiter hashtag throughout my Instagram feed featuring the most luxurious getaways and knew I had to find out more! Lauren started Arbiter in 2016 turning her love of travel into a full time job. Arbiter specializes in designing bespoke experiences with concierge-style planning services, offering highly customized itineraries alongside expert knowledge and premium content — giving clients access to one-of-a-kind destinations. With travel restrictions still in place, I asked Lauren for a guide to the ultimate California road trip and she delivered! (She is also offering AOBF followers a special additional $100 credit when booking through her!) Read on to see all the spots you should be stopping at along the coast this fall…
For new clients: book two or more nights through Arbiter Travel Co. in 2020 and mention Art of Being Female, and you will receive an exclusive $100 resort credit (on top of the hotel perks that Arbiter already gets you)!
2020 is undoubtedly the year of the road trip. And if you’re comfortable traveling right now, it is also the perfect time to explore your home state. Being from California, we are lucky in that our home state is arguably the most scenic in the world – and home to some of the best hotels as well. We’re also lucky in that our “summer” is pretty much year round (or at the very least lasts through October).
The California Highway 1 Road Trip is iconic, and one that must be done at least once – whether you live here or not. One of the best things about this guide is that it can be modified super easily! You can do half of it – or even a quarter of it, depending on how much time you have. And while this itinerary can be done in either direction, I recommend starting in the North and heading South. This way you’re driving right next to the coastline and can easily pull over for stops (aka to get the Gram).
DAY 1 | SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Start your journey with a night in the Bay Area. Located in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco is the lovely Cavallo Point Lodge. This property makes for the perfect property to explore both the natural beauty of Marin, as well as the shopping and dining options that the city has to offer. (Bonus – while San Francisco summers are known for being dreary and cold, the other side of the bay has plenty of sun!)
Start your morning with breakfast on the property, taking in the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge as you gear up to take on the Golden State. For lunch you’ll want to head over to Tiburon to the classic (and recently redone) Sam’s Anchor Café to enjoy some seafood and a glass of wine, literally right on the water. We suggest taking one of Cavallo Point’s vintage electric bikes (it’s about a 10 mile ride), or jumping on the ferry. After lunch, hop on the ferry to head into the city for some afternoon shopping, or head back to the hotel to lounge in the sun.
For dinner, there are too many world-class options in the city to pass up. It’s about a 20 minute Uber in, but will be worth it. Two of our favorites (they’ve been on every list for decades for a reason) that are currently open with outdoor dining are Zuni Café and Foreign Cinema.
DAY 2 | SAN FRANCISCO TO HALF MOON BAY
It’s your first day on the road, but feel free to sleep in and enjoy (complimentary, when booked by Arbiter) breakfast in bed, followed by a daily yoga class (also complimentary at CPL).
Your next stop is only an hour away (make sure you route your Waze to stay on Highway 1 instead of going inland, this is a coastal road trip afterall), so you’ll get there with plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking views and property at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – even with a stop for lunch at one of the many charming and delicious oyster bars joints along the way in Moss Beach and Miramar (we suggest Moss Beach Distillery or Sam’s Chowder House). And if you’re sick of seafood, stop for a sandwich made on fresh-baked bread from Garden Deli at San Benito House.
Once you check in, you won’t want to leave the spectacular property. If you golf, you’ll want to make time for that too – and if you don’t, you can make use your Arbiter resort credit at the gorgeous spa while your partner does. But honestly, there’s nothing better than sitting on an Adirondack chair with a glass of rose overlooking the rocky coastline (that us millennials will surely recognize from the classic early ’00s film American Wedding). If you’re feeling fancy, have dinner at the fine dining restaurant Navio, and if you’re not, order room service and fire up those s’mores kits on your outdoor fire pit.
DAY 3 | HALF MOON BAY TO CARMEL
Grab some coffee and a quick breakfast and continue down the coast for another two hours. Stop in Monterey to walk around (or visit the Monterey Aquarium with little ones when it’s open again). Then make a slight detour to do the iconic 17-mile Drive from Monterey down to Carmel, and stop for lunch or a cocktail at the Inn at Spanish Bay. (Or, if you happen to be driving around sunset, you’ll catch their famous bagpipers!)
You’ll then head slightly inland to the beautiful Carmel Valley Ranch. Spend the afternoon on the gorgeous grounds, using one of their three swimming pools (or “splash zone” for the kids), playing tennis, or partaking in one of their many daily activities. Or, of course, hit the spa (when it’s open again).
Come evening, head over to the quaint yet fabulous Mission Ranch Inn (owned by Clint Eastwood) for dinner and some live music. Aim to get there before sunset to have a drink on the patio and watch the sheep graze in front of you. Dress cozy, though blankets are provided!
DAY 4 | CARMEL TO BIG SUR
Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your terrace (complimentary when booked with Arbiter, of course!). And on your way out of town, stop for lunch at the adorable La Bicyclette in Carmel-by-the-Sea (it was allegedly a Reese-favorite when she was filming Big Little Lies in the area).
Your next hour of driving will be some of the most picturesque, so get that camera ready and que up the “Cold Little Heart.” (Note, you may lose service here, so make sure your music is downloaded and switch over to Airplane Mode). One can’t-miss photo opp you’ll want to look out for is the Big Little Lies-famous Bixby Creek Bridge – try to stop before driving across it to get the ideal shot. About 15 minutes after that you can detour to see the Point Sur Lighthouse.
Book an ocean view room at Post Ranch Inn for the quintessential Big Sur experience. (Note, they do not allow children – so if you’re traveling with the kiddos, check out the glamping options across the street at Ventana Big Sur – trust us you won’t be roughing it). Either way, you’ll want to stay for (at least) two nights, so you can both luxuriate and explore the enchanting area.
Spend the afternoon on your terrace looking at the Pacific, or in the unreal infinity pool. Then head to Nepenthe before sunset for a laid-back, yet gorgeous, early dinner and round of drinks. The views are unreal, so getting there before sunset is key! Finish with a nightcap under the stars back at the hotel, or if you’re up for it (and you’re traveling sans kids), try to get a reservation for a late night hot springs visit at the Esalen Institute, which is normally (in a non-COVID world) open to the public from 1 to 3am (bathing suits optional, reservations open at 9am the day of).
DAY 5 | BIG SUR
Wake up early to get a hike in, so you can continue to eat your way down the coast! (Well actually, first you’ll want to stop and pick up some coffee and pastries at Big Sur Bakery to reward yourself with at the end.) You have two options – if you’re looking for a longer hike, the Andrew Molera Loop is 8-miles. For something shorter, the Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a great [2.5 mile] loop that’s good for all levels, and features a waterfall and amazing views of the valley, after which you can skip across PCH and walk about a mile down to Pfeiffer Beach, known for it’s purple-tinted sand. Now it’s time to reverse all those steps and enjoy those aforementioned pastries with a little breakfast picnic.
After a busy morning, head back to the hotel to relax in the sun on your private terrace or at the pool. You can have lunch on property, or for something a bit more lively (and fun for kids), drive up to Big Sur River Inn for lunch on (or, if you’re lucky enough to snag some of the coveted Adirondack chairs in the water, in) the river.
It’s been a busy day, so for your last night in Big Sur, either stay in your robe and order room service, or put on a sweater and stroll over to the exceptional Sierra Mar restaurant, which is exclusive to Post Ranch Inn guests, so you’ll be plenty distanced from your neighbors.
DAY 6 | BIG SUR TO SANTA BARBARA
This will be your longest drive day (200 miles), so try to get an early start. Especially because you’re not done with the Big Sur sights just yet… The view of McWay Waterfall is probably the first image that comes up when you Google (or think of) Big Sur, and it’s so ubiquitous for a reason – it’s spectacular. It’s less than a mile to walk the trail to the viewpoint, so easy enough for a roadside stop. Or, if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can loop back up to combine it with the Ewoldsen Trail, a more strenuous 4.5 mile hike directly across the street.
A bit over an hour south, when you hit San Simeon, veer off course and make a pit-stop to see Heart Castle – it’s a bit touristy but worth the stop. Afterwards, when you’re back to the coast a great stop with kids is Piedras Blancas to see the elephant seals. Then keep on trekking south, until you hit the charming town of San Luis Obispo as a halfway point/lunch stop. If you want to keep moving, grab some sandwiches or salads to go from Custom House in the charming town of Avila Beach and have a quick beach picnic. If you need a break, stop for some farm-to-table eats on the patio at Big Sky Café in San Luis Obispo. And if you’re not super hungry (or like your lunches to be more liquid), grab a charcuterie board and do an outdoor tasting at Tolosa Winery on the way out of SLO. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab for some old-school goodness.
Another hour and a half in the car and you’ll arrive. Santa Barbara is my favorite place, and there are honestly too many hotels to pick just one. It’s also too magical to just stay one night, so I recommend checking in for at least two. For families who want to stay on the water, Rosewood Miramar Beach has a major “wow” factor that is hard to beat. For couples, I adore San Ysidro Ranch – it’s just magical. And for a charming stay for both families or couples who don’t need the beach (you’ll enjoy their infinity pool with views of all of SB instead), Belmond El Encanto is a recent favorite. After a long day in the car, plan on staying on-property for the afternoon and dinner – Caruso’s on the water at Rosewood, The Stonehouse under the twinkle lights at SYR, and The Dining Room & Terrace at Belmond are all exquisite options and would be some of my top picks even if you weren’t staying at the hotels.
DAY 7 | SANTA BARBARA
Santa Barbara is all about relaxing and soaking up the beauty. Don’t make too many plans, a day well-spent would be at the hotel pool. If you tend to get stir-crazy, a walk on Butterfly Beach always makes for a lovely morning. In downtown Santa Barbara, State Street has closed off all vehicle traffic so that it is now a walking street, and most of the shops and restaurants are open to explore. You can also spend time at the Funk Zone and Urban Wine Trail, where tons of local wineries have set up tasting rooms. One of my favorites to visit is Deep Sea Tasting Room, which is located on the pier. Is there anything better than wine + the sound of the ocean?
If you’re not ordering lunch poolside, Brophy Bros is a fun spot on the harbor with delicious seafood and strong Bloody Marys. SB is also home to some amazing Mexican food, and La Super-Rica Taqueria is at the top of the list. Or (pro tip), if you’re spending the day wine tasting and don’t want to slow down, Lucky Penny will deliver to many of the tasting rooms.
Santa Barbara has become quite the foodie destination, so you’ll want to hit the town for dinner (diet starts after vacation, right?). Loquita is an exceptional Spanish restaurant with the loveliest patio set-up – between the bougainvillea, their page-long Gin & Tonic menu, and their paella and pan con tomate, you can almost convince yourself you made it to Menorca this summer as planned. For something more low-key but with phenomenal food, Bibi Ji has some of the best (and most inventive) Indian food around.
DAY 8 | SANTA BARBARA TO LOS ANGELES
After breakfast (if you’re staying at the Belmond El Encanto, their bagel with lox is not to be missed), take the scenic route down to LA. Your GPS may try to route you to the 101, but stick with the 1 and drive through Malibu. Stop for lunch at Malibu Farm, which serves farm-fresh, organic food (and drinks) right on the pier.
There are so many incredible hotels in LA, but Malibu Beach Inn feels like the perfect fit for a coastal road trip such as this. Or, if you prefer to be closer to the action (or really want a pool and the beach), Shutters on the Beach is timeless and brings classic East Coast vibes to Santa Monica. Either way, you’ll want to post up on the sand for the rest of the afternoon.
For dinner, splurge and take in the views at Nobu Malibu (a 5 minute walk from Malibu Beach Inn). If sushi’s not your thing, the outdoor set-up at Giorgio Baldi is so lovely – and their famous sweet corn agnolotti and lemon Dover sole is so delicious – you won’t even realize you’re eating in a parking lot.
DAY 9 | LOS ANGELES TO LAGUNA BEACH
On your way out of town, stop for an al fresco (and quintessentially LA) brunch at Ivy at the Shore. The tables may have moved out back, but the colorful roses and tableware that make the ambiance so wonderful are still very much in tact. Or, if you’re ready to hightail it out of town, pick up sandwiches to go at Bay Cities Italian Deli (The Godmother is what made them famous, but the Turkey & Brie is equally delightful).
Again, your maps will probably try to get you to stay on the freeway, but just stick to Highway 1 and you’ll make it with much better views for most of the drive (and hopefully less traffic than the 405). In about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive to soak up the ocean views at Montage Laguna Beach. Reward yourself with an Aperol Spritz and make yourself at home at the pool. Take a beach walk at magic hour, and then get ready for dinner at local classic Nick’s Laguna Beach – or South of Nick’s, if you’re craving Mexican – (a quick 5 minute ride with the Montage’s complimentary chauffeur). Give yourself some time before dinner to stroll through town and check out the local art galleries!
DAY 10 | LAGUNA BEACH TO RANCHO SANTA FE
Wake up at your leisure, as you only have one more hour on the road til you reach your final destination – the beautiful and tranquil Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe. Get there around lunchtime so that you have the afternoon to enjoy the facilities. Get in a tennis match or outdoor fitness class to get your blood pumping, and then relax with one of their amazing outdoor spa treatments. After over 500 miles, you earned it!
Your last dinner should be a special one, and for the final stop on a California Coast road trip, there’s no better view than, well, the coast. We suggest Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff for a lovey evening right on the water. Then head back to the resort for a nightcap on the beautiful grounds and sleep in tomorrow!
NOTE: Traveling in the time of COVID is a bit different, and regulations for hotels and restaurants are constantly changing – so be sure to check on the latest updates (or check in with Arbiter) before finalizing any travel plans. While things may feel a bit strange, we have found most higher-end hotels (such as the ones listed here) to be doing a wonderful job adapting and making guests feel safe. It’s also important that as travelers, we are responsible too! Be sure to pack lots of cute masks and practice social distancing. We promise, the gorgeous settings of this road trip will almost make you forget things are weird right now.
Arbiter Travel Co. has preferred partnerships with all of the hotels in this guide, giving clients [free] perks such as complimentary daily breakfast, $100++ resort credits, upgrades, and more. Email us to book your trip!